*dimsumdolly* - the different morsels of the life of a foodie

Tribute to London

It seems like it was only yesterday that I arrived in London with no job and no idea of what I would be doing in London to support myself. I was even prepared to work as a waitress. But thankfully I got a job as a development editor – doing what I was familiar with – and managed to keep myself above (just about) the poverty line in London.

However, I’ve now decided to leave London and I’m going to head home due to several reasons.

1. London is too expensive for me. I’m sick of living like a student, i.e. having no money to spend. When I have to think twice about buying a slice of cake just to treat myself, there really is something wrong. Things are so expensive it’s not funny. Tax is high and so much of my meagre salary goes to the UK government. I mean, it’d be OK if I even benefited from some of the tax money. But no, my money goes to supporting people on the dole.

2. It’s too difficult to relocate to a place all by myself. If I had a boyfriend or husband, it’d be so much easier. The loneliness is awful and I just don’t feel like dealing with it anymore. If I were still 20 years old and still in university with a bunch of uni friends, it’d have been different. But at this age, breaking into and forming new social circles is just so difficult.

3. I miss outrigger canoeing. I don’t miss dragonboating as much as I’ve been able to do it now and then while I’ve been here. But I definitely miss OC and I miss getting my regular and frequent dose of paddling, be it OC or DB. I’m so fat now because I haven’t been exercising as much!

4. I feel overwhelmed by this large city.

5. I’ve had it with UK property agents. They are real bullies and they are just out to take your money. I don’t want to go into further detail here, but my ex-flatmates and I have had a bad experience and we’re being ripped off. The worst thing is that we can’t do anything about it because they have our deposits and basically tenants in the UK have no rights whatsoever. It’s a seller’s market here and tenants are at the mercy of unscrupulous property agents and homeowners.

I leave the UK for good on Nov 12 for Italy. I guess you could say that I haven’t given the city enough time to grow on me, but sometimes you get a feeling about something and you just know what’s right for you.

For me, London’s a great city to visit but not to live. But there are things I really like about London and the UK in general.

1. I love the English countryside. The rolling green fields are so nice and peaceful. My regret this time is that I didn’t get to go to Scotland, Lake District and Peak District.

2. The little lanes and alleys that snake around old buildings are filled with boutique shops and cute little cafes.

3. Second-hand bookshops and the second-hand books in charity shops like Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, Save the Children shops for great for cheap book bargains. The literary worm in me can’t help but pop into one of these shops every time I walk past one.

4. I’m not a big drinker, but I love the old pubs with lots of character. There’s just a certain charm about drinking in an old pub in good old England.

5. I love pub-grub. Pub food is so down-to-earth and hearty – exactly the way I like my food. It’s English comfort food. My favourites are pies with mashed peas and gravy, fish and chips (but I usually give the chips away), and bangers & mash.

6. I love the easy access to the rest of Europe.

7. Earning in pounds and spending it overseas is great!

8. London's a fantastic city for art and cultural buffs. I love the free museums and the vibrant theatre and music scene here.

I leave the UK with many good memories of the friends I've made, the things I've seen and the places I've been to. I must extend my heartfelt thanks to dear friends, Joe and Keith, who have helped me so much in the time I've been in London. Thanks guys!!!

Anyway, the dimsumdolly won't be heading back to home shores just yet. Stay tuned for further updates!

Posted by DSD at November 11, 2007 9:22 PM